You could fill nearly 160 bathtubs with the amount of English ivy local volunteers removed from a Port Moody trail.
On Saturday (Nov. 19), almost 40 people braved the cold dew of the morning and spent more than three hours clearing of the invasive plant on Thurston Woods Trail along Noons Creek Drive near Cunningham Lane.
The Lower Mainland Green Team was surprised not only at the diverse turnout of residents that wanted to make the environment better, but that this was a first visit to the walking route for the majority of them.
Spokesperson Reenaz Nawar tells the Tri-City News 34 of the volunteers were introduced to Thurston Woods Trail, which was covered in English ivy.
The 25 cubic metres that were removed will help give way for city workers to plant more native species to the area.
"We engaged volunteers of diverse backgrounds, abilities and experience levels from all across the Lower Mainland in this activity to help restore this natural habitat," said Nawar, a Grade 11 student at Port Moody Secondary working with Green Teams of Canada through its Youth Leadership Program.
"Our community members not only made an immense impact on this trail, but they also learned more about their local habitats and how to take care of them, as well as meet new people and have a chance to be active out in nature."
English ivy is commonly planted to provide quick cover for walls and buildings.
However, the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) explained it can grow so fast, especially in winter, that it forms a dense mat that "suppresses native plants."
The plant has waxy, leathery leaves visible on the climbing, mat-forming vines, the ISCBC said, noting young leaves have three to five points, while older leaves will be egg-shaped.
Colours of the leaves can also range from dark- and silver-green to yellow and white.
"I enjoyed the community and meeting new people; satisfying pulling the ivy and finding extra long ones," said Jade, one of the volunteers.
"I feel this program impacts the community, helping the environment directly, getting some exercise, teamwork!"
Green Teams of Canada coordinated with the City of Port Moody to host the invasive plant removal, which was moved to the area north of Eagle Ridge Hospital from Rocky Point Park.
For more information on the Lower Mainland Green Team, you can visit its MeetUp page.
